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Code 33 - EGR valve

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Old Oct 26, 2005 | 05:26 PM
  #1  
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Code 33 - EGR valve

1990 F250HD with 7.5L auto

code 33
I've gotten this code before and I know it has something to do with the EGR valve not opening. However, it is a problem with the system. Can I narrow it down to the valve or the solenoid? Which one is more likely, based on experience with trucks of that vintage? I know EGR valves get carboned up.

How much does a EGR valve cost and what's a good on-line place to get it?

I am also aware that bad EGR valve hurts MPG, in conjuction with a high-mileage O2 sensor, the difference can be up to 3-4mpg in some vehicles. I've never really gotten above 10mpg, well maybe 10.5 if I drive empty and at a constant 55mph. So if I got even 1mpg increase, it's 10% improvement.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2005 | 01:14 AM
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From: maui.HI
To check to see if the EGR valve diaphram is leaking. Get a hand pump vacuum tester like a mity-vac to test the EGR valve. First with the engine off, connect the pump to the EGR valve vac port and pump to 16 hg and release, see if the EGR shaft moves. Then pump up again and hold to see if the diaphram is leaking. This will test the EGR diaphram.

Now to test if the EGR is leaking exhaust into the intake. Plug the vac. hose from the intake with a golf tee or bolt. With the hand pump still connected to the EGR valve, start the engine and allow your idle to stabilize. Apply and release the hand pump several times to see if idle roughens. It should roughen when applied and smooth out when released.

Hope this helps.

Mike
 
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Old Oct 28, 2005 | 09:53 AM
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Alot of times when I have had this code, the plastic vacuum line to the EGR solenoid has broken and the solenoid never recieves any vacuum to operate the valve.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2005 | 11:50 PM
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A 33 is quite often caused by a bad EVP sensor. It is the sensor on the top of the EGR valve. It has an electrical connector and 3 screws or nuts holding it on.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2005 | 01:40 AM
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I think I am just going to replace the EGR valve as well as the EVP sensor. And check the plastic lines.

I have seen code 33 before - I had a Ford sedan of about the same vintage and I broke some of the very brittle plastic vacuum lines leading to the EGR valve. The mileage went from 29 to 23mpg.
 
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